20th Annual Merrimack River Eagle Festival

Come to Newburyport on Saturday, February 14, 2026, for a full day of fun indoor and outdoor activities that celebrate the return of the Bald Eagles! Learn about these magnificent eagles and other amazing raptors, and why our local habitat is so important to them. Join us at the best eagle-viewing locations around Newburyport, Amesbury, and Salisbury. Our naturalist guides will be available to inspire and educate you about these magnificent birds of prey. Bring binoculars or a scope if you have one! Please consider carpooling, as parking is limited. Appropriate footwear and clothing are advised; some sites may be snowy or icy. Registration is not required for viewing locations and on-site activities at Joppa Flats or the Parker River National Wildlife Sanctuary Headquarters. Free Family-Friendly Activities & Raptor Presentations 10:00 am-3:00 pm On-site activities are free, open to all ages, and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Eagle Festival brochures, including viewing site location maps; raptor information, and family activities are available at Joppa Flats Education Center and our event partner Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters, located across the street. Joppa Flats Education Center, 1 Plum Island Tpke, Newburyport Enjoy fun raptor-themed family activities, including crafts and tabletop science. Experience engaging live hawk presentations at 10:45 am, 12:30 pm, and 1:45 pm. Parker River Wildlife Refuge Headquarters, 6 Plum Island Tpke, Newburyport Join us from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm for raptor-themed crafts and insights into our Rescue Raptors campaign, plus live owl presentations at 10:45 am, 12:30 pm, and 1:45 pm.